Fire Safety, Social Housing
Scottish Tolerable Standard: Contractor Guidance
How can contractors support clients in achieving efficient and cost-effective compliance with the updated Scottish Tolerable Standard?
Fire Safety, Social Housing
Here we answer common questions regarding the new Scottish Tolerable Standard.
The latest regulations now affect all households across Scotland, including new build developments and existing dwellings. This includes both private and rented properties, which must now comply with the new standard following the roll out date of February 2022, this was extended from the previous deadline of 2021.
The updated Scottish Tolerable Standard requires all properties to have an interlinked fire and smoke alarm system. This must be supported by adequate carbon monoxide (CO) protection if there is a flue-burning appliance or flue present within the property. Any existing alarms must also be reviewed under the new guidance to ensure they meet the revised criteria.
In order to achieve compliance, a property must have one smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general living purposes, such as the living room.
An additional smoke alarm must also be fitted in every circulation space on each storey, including hallways and landings, while a heat alarm should be installed in each kitchen. To comply with the latest regulations, all smoke and heat alarms should be ceiling mounted, long-life and interlinked.
Finally, a CO alarm must be installed in every room where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance, such as a boiler, fire or stove.
Under the new regulations, both mains-powered or 10-year sealed long-life lithium battery powered alarms are suitable, as long as they facilitate either hardwired or wireless interlinking. To remain in line with the latest Scottish Regulations, the mains-powered alarms must comply with a Grade D1 Specification, while the battery powered alarms must meet the requirements of a Grade F1 Specification.
FireAngel’s Specification Range of mains powered and battery powered smoke, heat and CO alarms can support providers in achieving compliance with the new standard, as the suite of devices can be interlinked together to form a hybrid network. This is particularly useful for projects where hardwiring isn’t feasible, as the network can be quickly extended wirelessly, while also offering the opportunity for additional safety products to be added to the system at a later date.
The wireless interlinking of alarms can be achieved by simply fitting a Smart RF Radio Module into each device, interlinking up to 50 devices onto a private network so that when one alarm sounds, they all sound.
The improved legislation outlined within the Housing (Scotland Act) and Scottish Housing Quality Standard is being enforced in response to the Grenfell Tower fire to help reduce deaths in household fires. It aims to provide individuals living within all types of properties with an increased level of protection.
FireAngel continues to proactively support contractors and housing associations in aiding Scottish clients to achieve compliance with the new standard, regardless of their property type or size. This includes installation support, aftersales guidance and the supply of specific sales and training collateral. Our team of experts are happy to help ensure you, your installations or property portfolio remain compliant, contact our team today.
For further guidance about the latest updates, please refer to the Scottish Government website – link
*Please note: The above summary is based on FireAngel’s interpretation of the Scottish Tolerable Standard, always refer to the standard for specific guidance
